So, you’ve heard about Fellowships, but never really thought about how they might be relevant to you. This article will address the top questions that you never knew to ask. Curious? Interested but overwhelmed? Inspired? The Fellowships’ Adviser is here to help you navigate the process!
10. What’s the point?
Fellowships provide opportunities for you to follow your passion, to create something new, broaden your horizons, finance your education, or change the world! They are about helping you achieve your goals.
9. I plan to go directly to grad school – is there something for me?
A number of Fellowships provide funding specifically for graduate studies. If you plan to go to grad school after Reed, there are awards supporting study in public administration/public service (Truman), social sciences and humanities (Beinecke), fine and performing arts (Jack Kent Cook) as well as Rhodes and other U.K. based awards offered in virtually all fields of study. For some programs, you must provide evidence of financial need.
8. I don’t want to go straight to grad school – is there something for me?
The Fulbright and Watson programs support a year of independent study overseas. Fulbrighters might conduct research or take classes or teach English, but do not generally enroll in degree programs. Watsons pursue a project they have devised themselves, traveling and living abroad for 12 months. There are also opportunities to gain work experience such as the Jr. Fellows program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, which provides policy experience at a think tank.
7. What about programs DURING my time at Reed?
How about the opportunity to study abroad for a summer, semester or year? The Critical Language Scholarship supports intensive foreign language immersion programs overseas. They look for students of all majors, not just foreign language specialists. The Gilman program provides funding for summer, semester or year-long study abroad for students with financial need. The NSEP/Boren program similarly supports students studying language and culture around the world.
You can also apply for programs supporting your time at Reed like the Udall award supporting study of the environment or the Goldwater award supporting undergraduates in STEM fields.
6. I’m not ready to commit to year-long programs – what else is there?
Many study abroad programs can be summer or one-semester in length. Reed’s own President’s Summer Fellowship and the McGill Lawrence programs support summer projects and internships while academic departments offer various short-term awards.
5. What’s the profile of the typical successful applicant?
There is no single profile of success. The successful applicant has generally engaged in learning through varied experiences: research projects, public service efforts, leadership endeavors, lab work, internships, employment, study abroad, performances, publications, exhibitions, and etc. Most programs are looking for a diversity of experiences as well as intellectual engagement in the field of study.
4. What about GPA?
Applicants are often concerned that their GPA isn’t competitive. My advice: in most cases, don’t worry about it. The Truman program recently shared that they would rather see that applicants have challenged themselves, not that they have high grades. Fellowship programs want to see that you have taken your studies seriously, but they look at GPA as a single piece in the mosaic of who you are. Unless there is a hard and fast stated GPA requirement that could preclude you, just make sure that your application stands out for being thoughtful, well-planned, interesting and demonstrating passion or leadership.
3. Ok, so maybe I’m interested…What do I have to do?
Think first about your broader goals. Do you want to go to grad school, pursue a project, learn a language, get work experience? Then think about how you can round out your range of learning experiences: sign up for a SEEDS project, plan a summer internship or research project, create a student organization. Explore your interests and passions by broadening your experiences. Visit the Center for Life Beyond Reed for help in exploring some of these opportunities.
2. Where can I get more information?
Check out the Fellowships and Awards website. Get in touch with Fellowships Adviser Michelle Johnson. She will be organizing drop-in Q&A times in Commons and at the Paradox this spring – stay tuned for details. Talk to your faculty adviser and the professor you find most inspiring.
1. I’m too busy to even brush my teeth – when am I supposed to think about this stuff?
Take baby steps. Don’t try to do it all at once. Round out your experiences with short intern/externships or SEEDS projects during the school year. Get research or study abroad experience over the summer. Start early and do a little bit at a time. Watch this space for more detail in future editions!